As a beauty editor, I get to play with makeup every day as part of my job. So when I swipe on the newest shade of lipstick or dab on a soft creamy blush, I think nothing of it. But for a handful of teenagers fighting cancer at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, taking a moment to put on makeup is something of a treat.

St. Jude has done some amazing things for pediatric cancer: They treat about 7,800 patients a year. And since opening in 1962 the overall survival rate for childhood cancers has risen from 20 percent to 80 percent, in part thanks to the hospital's amazing research. The coolest part? No family pays for treatment. Ever. I visited St. Jude to participate in an event that’s part of Lancôme’s ongoing partnership with the hospital. For one day, celebrity makeup artist Mickey Williams gave makeovers to the girls undergoing treatment.

When the young women arrived one by one with family in tow, the room buzzed. Everyone was eager for a turn in the makeup chair (even siblings came, wanting to get in on the action). Lining the room were craft tables, where we could all hang out, draw, and wait for everyone to get their makeup done. I grabbed a spot by a mother and daughter. (To protect the teens’ privacy, we aren’t using any names.)

The young lady told me she has bags and bags of makeup at home. ”She’ll do my makeup,” her mother said, laughing. "She’s better at it than I am!” The teen loves getting dolled up so much, she was postponing her treatment to fit in her makeover. “She couldn’t wait for this,” her mom told me. “She had to deal with so much. She needs a fun break like this.”

While the young girl told me all about her favorite products, her mom showed me cell phone pictures of her daughter in a prom dress (a prom she had to miss because she got sick). Then it was finally her turn to get a makeover. “I just want something natural,” she said. “Highlight my eyes. I like my eyes.”

Another young woman sat toward the back with family. She was sketching with markers and glitter pens. We started talking about her favorite music and artists, but I couldn’t help but be amazed at her artwork on the table—it was effortless and beautiful.

I asked her what she was getting for her makeover. Maybe a cat eye, she told me. “Something fun.” Given her talent at drawing, I couldn’t help but think she’d be pretty good at doing a cat eye herself. A few days later, I was struggling (read: failing) to apply a cat eye on myself, and I thought of my new friend in Memphis. A small thing like eyeliner can seem frivolous until you see how much of a difference it can make in the day of someone who's dealing the harsh realities of cancer therapy.

If you want to contribute to St. Jude, it’s easy—all you have to do is Instagram a photo. For each post that has a heart-shaped hand sign and tagged #LancomeLovesStJude, Lancôme is donating $1 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (It ends tomorrow, so go quickly!). Here's an example from Lancôme brand ambassador and actress Lily Collins to get you inspired.